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ProKids, a Cincinnati-based agency supporting foster children will launch its virtual academy for child protection professionals in the coming months, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Humana Foundation in September 2012.

Recently, the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana, Inc., announced that its accepting applications for the sixth consecutive Humana Communities Benefit program in Greater Cincinnati. Humana Communities Benefit will award a one-time, $100,000 grant to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the Tristate focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities.

“Nonprofit organizations are the foundation for improving the health and well-being of Cincinnati residents,” said John Sinclair, president of Humana in Ohio and Northern Kentucky. “This Humana Foundation grant allows our deserving nonprofits to impact the community in a way they might not have dreamed possible.”

Humana Communities Benefit program in Cincinnati awarded the 2012 grant to ProKids, and the organization is using the funds to create an online learning platform to enhance training and education for volunteers, child protection professionals and community members. The “virtual academy” provides up-to-date information on issues surrounding children in protective custody.

“To help stop the abuse and neglect of our children, our community needs to be armed with comprehensive and current information,” said Tracy Cook, ProKids’ executive director. “The grant from Humana Communities Benefit is helping us transform the child protection system to better serve the kids still waiting for their chance at a childhood.”

Applications from eligible nonprofit organizations are being accepted now through July 31. Organizations will be considered in the operational areas of childhood health, intergenerational health and active lifestyles. Following a selection process by a panel of local judges, the 2013 grant winner will be announced at a celebratory event in November.

More information on the application and the grant are available at www.Humana.com/HCB. Questions can also be directed to Humana by e-mail to HCB@Humana.com.